Princess Cruises today announced its next ship will be called the Royal Princess -- a name the line has used twice before -- and revealed several new-to-the-industry features that will be aboard the vessel.
"You'll see we reached back in our past for a sentimental name," Princess president and CEO Alan Buckelew told cruise writers at Cruise Shipping Miami, the industry's annual convention, as he announced the first details of what will be the line's first new vessel in nearly five years.
"The original Royal Princess was also a groundbreaking prototype when she was built in 1984," Buckelew added.
Buckelew revealed the new Royal Princess -- at 141,000 tons, the line's largest ship ever -- will have a glass-bottomed walkway that will extend more than 28 feet off the side of its pool deck, an industry first.
Located on the starboard side of the 3,600-passenger vessel, the "SeaWalk," as Princess is calling the new feature, will offer dramatic views of the ocean 128 feet below.
The Royal Princess also will have another cantilevered feature on the port side of the ship, the SeaView bar, which will have space for 20 people, Buckelew says.
Princess ordered the new ship nearly a year ago and it is scheduled to debut in May 2013. It will be the line's first new vessel since 2008. A second vessel in the series will debut in 2014.
Buckelew also announced the Royal Princess will have a new adults-only pool area surrounded by seven plush private cabanas that appear to be floating on the water. The private cabanas will be available for a charge, he noted.
Buckelew said two additional pools will flank a "tropical island" area on the ship that will offer pool seating by day and by night will become an outdoor dance club, complete with a water and light show. Princess' signature, extra-fee adults-only haven, The Sanctuary, also will be expanded both in size and amenities, Buckelew announced. Also bigger than on previous Princess ships will be the Royal Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside theater.
Even as he unveiled new-for-the-industry features for the ship, Buckelew noted the Royal Princess would be evolutionary, not revolutionary.
"Princess passengers will easily recognize our next ship as a natural progression in our fleet," he said. "We're taking the best features of our newest vessels that have been such customer pleasers, and taking them to the next level."
Buckelew said that one of the hallmark venues found on Princess ships, the Piazza atrium, will be significantly expanded on the Royal Princess. The area will serve a social hub offering quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services.
Also revealed: All outside-facing cabins on the Royal Princess will have balconies.
